Tuban, July 2026 — The Research Center for Biomass Valorization – Institute for Biosystems and Bioengineering (RCBV-IBB), Interdisciplinary Engineering Research Unit, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, organized a Community Engagement Program entitled “Empowering Farmers in Controlling Sorghum Stem Rot through the Application of UI Biopesticide Innovation” on Friday–Saturday, 10–11 July 2026, in Ngimbang Village, Tuban Regency, East Java. The program was attended by local sorghum farmers and aimed to enhance their knowledge and practical skills in controlling stem rot disease in sorghum.
The program focused on introducing a tobacco-based biopesticide developed through Universitas Indonesia innovation as an environmentally friendly approach to controlling sorghum stem rot. In addition, the activity introduced the potential utilization of sorghum stems and grains as sources of food and renewable energy, providing farmers with insights into the utilization of sorghum beyond conventional cultivation.
On the first day, Friday, 10 July 2026, the program featured Workshop Session 1, led by Dr. rer. nat. Andre Fahriz Perdana Harahap, S.T., M.T., which discussed the UI tobacco-based biopesticide innovation and the utilization of sorghum stems and grains as sources of food and renewable energy. The session was followed by a discussion, question-and-answer session, and a field survey of the farmers’ sorghum fields.
On the second day, Saturday, 11 July 2026, Workshop Session 2 focused on the practical application of tobacco-based biopesticides in sorghum fields and the processing of sorghum grains and stems into food and renewable energy products. The activity concluded with sample collection and sorghum productivity measurements through panicle weighing.
The program concluded successfully and received enthusiastic participation from the local farmers. Through this activity, farmers gained practical knowledge and skills in controlling sorghum stem rot using the UI biopesticide innovation, as well as insights into the potential utilization of sorghum as a source of food and renewable energy.
